A robust air compressor preventive maintenance program ensures optimal performance, longer life, and more satisfaction for your rental clients. Proper care for this piece of equipment will increase the time they are available for rental and generate more income.
Luckily, for fleet managers and rental business owners, these power rental staples do not need time-consuming fixes or expensive maintenance. Therefore, you can easily forget them, which eventually might be a costly oversight.
The following are tips on how to take care of an air compressor.
Read and follow the air compressor’s manual
Failure to read and follow the manual is the fastest way of stopping your air compressor. There are some simple tips in the manual that will assist in enhancing the life of your air compressor. Moreover, if you do not follow the guidelines in the air compressor manual, there are chances you will void your warranty, which in itself is enough incentive to follow the manual.
Get rid of the moisture from the receiver tanks
The tank collects moisture from the air that it is compressing, particularly if you reside in a humid region. Most tanks are fitted with a valve for draining the accumulated moisture, and it is up to you to drain them t regularly. Ensure you release the air pressure from the receiver tanks before draining the water.
Clean intake vents
Ensure you clean and inspect the intake vents regularly, particularly if working in a dirty or dusty environment. Forcing the air compressor to operate too hard to intake air loses its compression power. This gradually degrades its quality.
Tighten the fasteners
The vibration of the engine and the running of the air compressor loosens its nuts, bolts, and screws regularly; you should check the fasteners regularly and fix them if they are loose.
Check hoses regularly
Inspect all the hoses periodically since they are the vessels of your compressor. If they crack or rust, they start leaking, straining the other components of the air compressor. Ensure to check the hoses and replace them if they get damaged.
Clean the heat exchangers
The function of the heat exchangers is to minimize the operating temperature of the compressor. If the heat exchangers are dirty, they cannot do their work appropriately. Ensure to clean them regularly to increase the air compressor’s life span.
Test the compressor’s safety shutdown system
The purpose of this system is to shut off the compressor if the engine’s oil pressure is too low or if it gets too hot. The test will assist in ensuring a longer-lasting air compressor.
Change air filters as required
Check the air filters periodically and replace them if there is a heavy buildup of dirt and dust. Change the filters at least twice a year if you use them occasionally.
Clean the fuel tank
Like any other engine, you should periodically clean the fuel tank; this ensures optimal working conditions. To preserve your engine’s life, you need to clean your air compressor’s engine at least once per year to remove residual buildup from the fuel.